Hadrian's Villa is an incredible historical site located in Tivoli, Italy. Although the walk to the villa can be challenging in the summer heat, it is definitely worth the effort. The villa is filled with fascinating ancient constructions and beautiful spots to explore. We visited on a Saturday morning and spent nearly three hours wandering the site. We found plenty of shade throughout our visit, although there are areas that are exposed to the sun. It was interesting to see small groups with guides, and we were unsure if they were independent guides or ones that could be booked through the site.
While we walked to the villa from our accommodation, there is parking available on-site for €3 for cars (motorbikes are free). Admission to the villa costs €13, but there is an option to purchase a combined ticket for €26, which includes entry to Villa D'Este and Santuario Ercole Vincitore. We highly recommend visiting Hadrian's Villa alongside Villa D'Este as they complement each other well. The grand size of the buildings, the layout of the terrain, and the historical significance of the complex, built by Emperor Hadrian, who was an art lover, make the trip more than worthwhile. It is like indulging in antiquity.
We visited as part of a tour that also included Villa d'Este, so we cannot speak to the price of individual admission. However, if we did not have a tour guide, it would have been challenging to understand the significance of the villa and its history, as there were not many informational signs around the grounds. Nevertheless, the villa itself is truly stunning and definitely worth seeing.
Hadrian's Villa offers a peaceful excursion just a short distance from Rome. It is a pleasant walk through fascinating ruins with breathtaking views. The only downside is that transportation away from the villa can be a bit challenging.
Overall, Hadrian's Villa is an absolute must-visit. It provides an immersive experience in the past, surrounded by nature, in a remarkably preserved Roman site. Spending 2-3 hours exploring the villa is a rewarding experience. It is unfortunate that over time, the site has been stripped of its stones and marbles to construct nearby buildings.
The archaeological park is vast and well-preserved, with buildings and structures that have stood the test of time. If traveling from Rome, you can easily reach the area by taking the Cotral Bus from Ponte Mammolo station (Metro B) to Tivoli, which takes approximately 45 minutes. From there, it is a walk of about 1.3 km to the park, as indicated by signs near the bus stop. There is also a local bus that passes by the park in Tivoli, but we were unaware of this at the time of our visit.
We were impressed by the size of Hadrian's Villa, but unfortunately, we were unable to explore the entire site due to limited daylight. It's a shame that the villa was not preserved as it should have been in the past. Our tour guide explained that there was initially not enough funding to properly preserve the villa, resulting in much of it being reduced to rubble. However, it is still possible to imagine what the villa looked like in its heyday.
Overall, the ancient buildings at Hadrian's Villa are remarkably well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the past. We recommend having a guide or a map to enhance your visit and better understand the significance of the ruins.
10.08.23
Monica
It's quite of a brutal walk in summer but we enjoyed it. Full of history and beauty although it would require a bit of maintenance of the surrounding areas.
11.07.23
pau
This place is amazing. Is a really big place, so you'll have to walk a lot, but it is totally worth it. They have amazing old constructions and some beautiful spots.
02.07.23
Nic
We came here before 0900h on a Saturday and spent almost three hours exploring the site (no audioguide or guide). We did find a decent amount of shade while we were there, but there are sections that are out in the open. This is an interesting site, .. Read more »with some pretty panoramas. We did notice some small groups with guides, not sure if they're external guides, or you can book them directly with the site.
We walked here from where we were staying, but there is parking at the site (sign says €3 for cars and motorbikes are free).
Ticket cost is €13, however you can buy a combined ticket for €26 (combines Villa D'Este [which is also €13] and Santuario Ercole Vincitore...when we bought the combined ticket at Villa D'Este it also included Mensa Ponderaria which has very limited open hours).
10.06.23
Erik
A must see when you are in Tivoli together with villa D'Este. The grand size of the buildings, the layout of the terrain, and the historical signiface of the complex built by Emperor Hadrian as an art lover makes a trip more than worthwhile. Ind.. Read more »ulge yourself back in
antiquity...
20.05.23
Josie
We went here as part of a tour to Villa d'Este as well, so I can't speak to the price. If I didn't have a tour guide, I don't think I would've known what any of the villa was or the history. There weren't any signs aroun.. Read more »d as we walked the grounds. It's truly beautiful, though, and worth seeing.
16.04.23
Andrew
Peaceful excursion within easy reach of Rome. Nice walk through interesting ruins and great views. Transportation away from the Villa can be a little tough.
01.04.23
Andrea
Absolutely a must visit. Don't know how I could have missed this so far.
It's a walk in the past mixed in with nature, in a well preserved Roman site that after all (these years) gives a good 2/3 hours of excursion.
I can only imagine the .. Read more »magnificence of this place back in time and it's a shame over time the site has been robbed from its stones and marbles to build the adjacent buildings.
15.02.23
Salma
Very nice and huge archaeological park. Buildings and structures are preserved well. From Rome you can reach this area with the Cotral Bus direction Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo station (Metro B) within 45 minutes (22 stops). After stop, you need to wal.. Read more »k more or less 1,3 km (as stated on the signage nearby the stop). Actually there is also a local bus of Tivoli city pass by the park as well, but at that time we have no idea about this.
28.11.22
Constance
Really liked this place and boy, is it massive! It's too bad we weren't able to reach all the way to the back of the villa; we were running out of daylight quickly and we didn't want to be lost in there when it got dark. Also a shame t.. Read more »hat this place wasn't preserved as it should have been back in the day. Our tour guide told us it was because there wasn't enough funding initially to properly preserve the villa. A lot of it is just rubble and you have to kind of envision it on your own what it might have looked like in its hay day.
31.08.22
Doug
Most remarkable ancient buildings unbelievably well preserved for their age.
An easy walk around the ruins. Would suggest having a guide or a map so you know what you're looking at.
03.08.22
john
Historical site which has been well preserved and is well organised for tours. Audiovisual tour guides are available to rent (5€) and entry is also reasonably priced. Water fountains are installed periodically across the site so visiting on a ho.. Read more »t day should not pose to much of an issue.
25.07.22
LF
Hadrian's Villa is an immersive experience in Rome's imperial time. Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the ruins and archaeological remains of a large villa complex built c. AD 120 by Roman Emperor Hadrian at Ti.. Read more »voli, few kilometers outside Rome. The site is very well maintained and suitable for children and people on wheelchair. Parking place is available and cost 3 euro. Drinking water and toilets available on site.
08.07.22
Lenka
Amazing and huge area. I liked it better than ruins in Rome. It's also much quieter, there is less people. We spent 2.5 hours there and had to rush in the end, so I recommend having 3 hours. I also recommend taking the audio guide. Transport is .. Read more »a bit more difficult on Sunday, there was a bus to Tivoli, but to Rome we had to find a bus in the town.
30.05.22
Aivars
Masterpiece of roman history.
2000 years, but still stands.
Unbelievable big villa, to be honest - town.
Very interesting to visit and see.
Will spent a lot of hours.
I liked it.
07.05.22
Andrew
I really enjoyed my visit here, but it was too short. I think a person could spend three or four hours here, maybe more. The fact that this sprawling complex was the personal residence of just one person is astonishing. I would say it was well worth .. Read more »the visit and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the other villas in Tivoli.
03.05.22
Cynthia
Unfortunately it rained during our tour. But the tour guide was very knowledgeable. This place is a huge compound and would have been amazing in it's day. Because of the size be prepared to walk. I was amazed that it was pet and kid friendly too
13.01.22
Hartmut
Amazing, this is the best place I have visited for a long time. Its more than ruins, the building still have soul and the water landscape is impressive. There is a lot of vegetation on the site, making it agreeable to stroll around and discover the r.. Read more »elics of the Palace. Some parts are difficult to find, the signs are not clear and the map doesn't help. You need patience and time . Sundays they close at 14h00 which is not on their website and very weird. Go when the weather is good and prepare by reading in advance
04.12.21
Waving
The site is huge and very peaceful in December. Parking was no issue and the olive groves are an added bonus.
It's incredible how tile and paint can persevere for so many centuries. The sheer size of these buildings is almost hard to believe.
05.10.21
Derek
Easy to get here from Tivoli on the cat bus number 4. 1.30 euro for the fare each way. Very quiet when we visited in October. Fantastic to see and you can see what a fabulous place it must have been. 10 euros to get in is still worth it. Must say I s.. Read more »till felt a little disappointed but thats just me, and hence 3 stars. Only a van for food ( sandwiches etc )and drinks but lots of space to sit down. No beers or wine. Toilets are plentiful and clean.
02.08.21
Grueffelo
My third time here. When I entered, I thought "Not stones again!"
When I left, I thought "Wow, I would have liked to live here!"
Walk through the whole complex. Especially see all the buildings with sinks. My children loved it, to.. Read more »o.
12.07.21
Bill
Just incredible. One of those places where you can lose yourself in ancient history for just a bit. Be sure to bring a water bottle if visiting in hot weather.
19.05.21
Alessandro
Beautiful ruins of the ancient emperor's villa. Amazing place to walk around imagining how it just have been gloriously splendid 2000 years ago. Worth a visit even as a day trip from Rome.
17.02.21
M
One of those breath taking landmarks. It is unbelievable to imagine what this site used to be and that what is left over is nearly 2000 years old. It is definitely worth spending a hole morning or afternoon exploring the site and I strongly suggest i.. Read more »f you are in the area to have lunch at Trattoria Erik
20.10.20
Lydia
A great escape from Rome!
It is worth it to travel here from Rome if you are looking for one day or half day excursion.
Villa Adrian is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. It is very well kept and clean.
I really like how they have lots of olive.. Read more » trees and others on this site.
If you are coming by car, they do have a big parking lot,just 3 euro for the whole day. You can find price list on my picture.
19.09.20
G
Astonishing site of epic Roman ambition and ingenuity. Well worth a visit. Sadly, the information boards are not particularly enlightening and would be insufficient if there were crowds but much information can be found online.
08.09.20
Tommaso
Monumental, historical Roman villa dating back ~120 DC. Great place, well maintained. I recommend to book a guided visit. Suggested
06.09.20
Luz
Excellent place to visit, although it doesn't have a lot of information when you are on the site.
31.08.20
Ulrik
I did not go in. So i can not sat. But from the pictures my wife took i can see it is a place you must visit
24.08.20
Iman
Wonderful. I loved it. Its so huge so bring the confort walking shoes and water. The visit takes time around 2 hours, so be ready. Have a nice visit.
Unfortunatly the museum inside was closed due to COVID 19 restrictions. I hope they open it soon c.. Read more »ause the original statues of CANOPE near the pool are there.
Good luck
28.07.20
Joshua
I was driving travelling by car with my family. We drove from Rome to Tivoli and we visited Hadrian's Villa in the second week of July 2020. I find the place another historical landmark of all time and it is a spectacular archeological site with.. Read more » beautiful gardens extending 80 hectares. Its a vast land area of many ancient pools, baths and fountains coupled with beautiful classical statues with Greek-Roman style. The picturesque landscape in the the villa its very nice. The place is huge need few hours to walk around to see the entire villa. Bring hat with you if the weather is sunny and warm, use comfortable shoes to walk because some place can be uncomfortable to walk because lots of stone ruins all over the place.
17.07.20
mirkinolo
If thoroughly enjoyed it may take an entire day. Be aware that it may bore some not very fond of roman architecture. For any average person who appreciate history artifacts I guess a nice 3-4 hours visit will do. The on site description is not very p.. Read more »lenty or accurate so search in advance some audio guide or detailed description of each spot.
17.07.20
Andrew
May seem like a bunch of ruins from afar but archaeologists have already made great strides in understanding the site and its connection to the famous emperor Hadrian.
The place is a little out of town but can be accessed easily via a ten-minute bus.. Read more » ride (4 or 4x) from the city centre of Tivoli. Please remember to buy tickets ahead of time, however; they are not available on the bus.
22.05.20
E_____
Excellent place to visit to see the Roman Hadrian's former home. Spent about 3 hours here walking around the ruins. Easy to reach by bus from Tivoli town centre.